St. Martin is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west. With a total surface area of approximately 35 mi?, the island of St. Martin is 9.3 miles at its longest point and 8 miles at its widest.

The island of St. Maarten (and St. Martin) is relatively small, extending approximately 12 miles (19 km) from north to south and roughly the same distance from east to west at its widest points. Despite its small size, the island is famously divided between two nations: the southern Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the northern French side (Saint-Martin). The total land area is about 34 square miles (88 square km). Driving around the entire perimeter of the island typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours without traffic, though the narrow roads and busy tourist hubs like Philipsburg and Marigot can cause significant delays. Its compact geography makes it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience two distinct cultures, dozens of world-class beaches, and a variety of landscapes ranging from salt ponds to the high point of Paradis Peak (1,391 feet), all within a very short driving distance.